Buying Guide
How to buy a motorcycle
New vs. used
Both options get you on the road. The question is which tradeoffs you can live with.
A new bike comes with a full warranty, zero miles, and the certainty of knowing its entire history. The downside is depreciation, which starts the moment it leaves the lot.
Used bikes are cheaper, depreciate slowly, and there's a certain freedom in knowing the first scratch is already behind you. That said, a neglected used bike can quietly become a project bike, which sounds romantic until it's sitting in your garage instead of moving under you. Before you buy used, ask yourself:
- How often was it ridden? A bike ridden consistently is a better bet than a low-mileage one that sat for years. Storage does things to a motorcycle.
- What does it need? Tires, an oil change, and a valve check add up fast — and older models can be hard to find parts for.
For first-time riders especially, we recommend a new bike or one with fewer than 3,000 miles from a dealer or someone you actually ride with. The price gap between a used bike and a new Royal Enfield is smaller than most people expect, and the peace of mind is worth it.
What size bike to start on
Most new riders start too big. A 300–500cc motorcycle gives you enough power for state highways while staying forgiving at the low speeds where mistakes happen.
Royal Enfield's 350cc lineup hits this range exactly. All the models are lightweight, manageable at a standstill, and fun to ride at any speed.
If you have some experience, or you are eager to take longer trips at higher speeds, or plan on traveling consistently with a passenger, consider the 450cc or 650cc models. These are full-sized motorcycles with plenty of power for larger highways and two-up trips.
Starting on a 350cc bike is a smart choice. It won't hold you back. It will let you know what kind of rider you are and what type of riding you enjoy. It's better to ride a slow bike fast than a fast bike slow.
Why Royal Enfield
We chose to carry Royal Enfield because the bikes match what we believe motorcycling should be. They are built to be ridden every day, not stored in a garage and admired. They are accessible to new riders without being dismissive of experienced ones. And they have a 120-year history that shows up in the way they look and feel, without the price tag that other heritage brands attach to their story.
Practically speaking: parts are widely available, the community is active and welcoming, and the bikes hold their value reasonably well. We are also the only Royal Enfield dealer in Indianapolis, which means we know these bikes better than anyone in the area.
What to expect at Speed City
We are a small dealership, so you'll see the same people every time you come. We love talking about motorcycles, and we really love growing the community of riders.
Our stock of bikes rotates constantly. You can see what is currently in stock on the showroom page, but we also do special orders.
We can pull any bike off the floor, let you sit on it, walk through the controls, and talk through what the riding experience is actually like. We will be honest about whether a particular bike is the right fit for where you are as a rider.
Why we don't offer test rides
The chance of dropping a bike increases dramatically when it's unfamiliar to you. We keep a small inventory of bikes so each one needs to stay ready to ride. We also don't want to sell you a new bike that has been touched up because someone else messed it up.
We can walk you through how each model feels in the saddle. There's also plenty of rider videos online that can give you an accurate view of what each model feels like. You are welcome to sit on any bike to get a feel for how it fits you.
Dealership fees and financing
Every bike listing on our site includes an estimated out-the-door price breakdown. We also offer financing through FreedomRoad Financial.
Fees and financing options →Ready to talk it through?
Come by the shop Tuesday through Saturday. No appointment needed, no pressure.